**Cardiff Man Sentenced Following Prolonged Pattern of Domestic Abuse**
A man from Cardiff has been sentenced to three years in prison following what the court described as a sustained and violent campaign of abuse against his former partner. Zayyan Khan, 25, appeared at Newport Crown Court, where details of his controlling and violent conduct shocked the courtroom. Much of Khan’s behaviour was characterised by repeated physical assaults and unchecked emotional cruelty, which continued over the span of a three-year relationship during which he and his victim had a child together.
Prosecutors detailed a harrowing list of assaults that left the woman with serious injuries, including multiple broken ribs and significant wounds to her head. The court was told that on one occasion, Khan struck his partner on the forehead with a nitrous oxide canister while the two sat as passengers in a car. During another violent episode, he is said to have suffocated her until she lost consciousness, later remarking that he would “leave and go to Bangladesh” if she died.
According to statements read out in court, Khan’s abuse extended far beyond the physical. The victim recalled how he would regularly use derogatory language against her, calling her offensive names and attacking her self-worth, which ultimately led her to develop an eating disorder. The woman also described Khan’s controlling behaviour over her finances, with him confiscating her money and severely restricting her independence.
The disturbing pattern continued at home, where Khan reportedly made a habit of turning up at the victim’s address uninvited. The victim recounted moments when she attempted to barricade herself in the bathroom, only for Khan to break down the door and physically assault her. In one incident caught on her phone, Khan is seen pinning her down and kneeling on her chest, eventually stopping only when he realised he was being recorded.
The court additionally heard that Khan perpetrated assaults outside the home. On one occasion in February 2024, he surprised the woman while she was out with friends, headbutting her before fleeing the scene. Later, via text, he taunted her, suggesting he had caught her off-guard.
On another occasion in March, the violence escalated further. Khan entered his ex-partner’s property without consent, delivering several punches to her face and ribs, causing a deep cut to her forehead. Khan then accompanied her to hospital but instructed her to lie about the cause of her injury, claiming she had simply fallen while skating. Disturbingly, while at the hospital, he video-called friends to show them her injuries, callously remarking, “This is what happens when [women] get cheeky.”
The pattern of intimidation did not stop there. Following the incidents, Khan left behind abusive and threatening letters at her home, stole personal possessions, and persistently telephoned her with further warnings, including threats involving social services should she cooperate with police.
Khan was eventually arrested and, after initially denying all charges, later pleaded guilty to intentional suffocation, two counts of assault by beating, and engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour. The court was informed that Khan had several previous convictions, including public disorder, driving offences, and drug-related crimes.
In mitigation, defence counsel claimed Khan had himself been a victim of a stabbing and suffered from anxiety and depression. However, handing down the sentence, Judge Daniel Williams dismissed any notion of remorse, stating: “The reality is you absolutely have no remorse. You feel entitled to exercise control and power over women, and the victim in particular. The fact you represent an ongoing danger to her is certainly true.”
Alongside the custodial sentence, Khan was made subject to an indefinite restraining order prohibiting any contact with the victim. Authorities have reiterated the availability of support for anyone affected by domestic abuse, highlighting helplines such as Live Fear Free and Refuge, both of which offer confidential, round-the-clock advice and resources for those in need.
This case once again brings to light the devastating impact of coercive control and domestic abuse, reaffirming the importance of reporting such crimes and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice. As ever, police and specialist services urge those at risk or aware of abuse to seek help as soon as possible.